Mavericks plus 6 hosting Cavaliers
As good as the Cavaliers are – and I rank them only behind the Warriors and Spurs – they haven’t been that strong on the road covering just 39 percent of their away games this season, including going 1-4-1 ATS during their past six.
Cleveland’s road mark could get even worse by the end of the week. That’s because the Cavaliers have to do the dreaded Texas Triangle facing the Mavericks tonight, Spurs on Thursday and Rockets Friday.
The Cavaliers are hot winning 13 of 15, including the past seven. Their last two victories, however, were against the Timberwolves and 76ers. This marks their fourth consecutive road game. LeBron James and Co. can’t help but anticipate their upcoming nationally televised (TNT) game against San Antonio, which has yet to lose at home.
Dallas is having a better season than many perceived with a 22-16 record, which is the fifth-best mark in the Western Conference. The veteran-laden Mavericks have a lot of pride, are well-coached and healthy, which they haven’t been much of the season. I don’t see Dirk Nowitzki, Deron Williams, Wesley Matthews, Chandler Parsons and underrated center Zaza Pachulia allowing themselves to be embarrassed at home.
The Mavericks concluded a three-game road trip with a victory against the Timberwolves this past Sunday. After this matchup, the Mavericks go back on the road for three more road contests starting Wednesday against Oklahoma City. That game will be followed by stops at Chicago and San Antonio. So this is a key spot for the Mavericks being their lone home matchup during a seven-game span.
Dallas has covered six of the past seven times when facing a foe with a winning percentage above .600. The Mavericks also are 8-2 during their last 10 games versus the Cavaliers, covering five of the past six meetings.
